New Jersey is home to more than 25 breeding pairs of Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). We work closely with biologists with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program to help monitor the population. Each winter we conduct maintenance on nesting towers, and in spring and summer we monitor nest sites for activity. At active nests a remote motion-activated camera is deployed in spring. It allows us to be able to identify each individual bird by their color auxiliary leg bands. It also provides more valuable information including nest success, age, site fidelity, and the turnover rate in the population. After we have successfully identified the breeding pair, we continually monitor each nest or eyrie until the young are old enough to band (approximately 3-4 weeks old). In 2013 there were 26 active nests in New Jersey. The core of the population continues to nest on towers and buildings throughout the state.

At a nest site in Jersey City, we have a webcam on the top of a building at 101 Hudson St. The webcam has allowed viewers to follow the nesting season from courtship to fledging (March to July). Ben Wurst & Kathy Clark, ENSP write entries in Nestbox News, an online journal that summarizes events and milestones during the nesting season.

Banding at Sedge Island, 2015:

Peregrine falcon viewing areas:

Thanks to early reintroduction efforts, peregrine falcons are now a fairly common sight (if you know where to look). Below is a map with a few good areas where you may be able to view peregrine falcons in their natural habitat. From the Palisades cliffs along the Hudson River to the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula, peregrines can be seen in these areas.

During summer months you can find them in urban areas near nest sites at 101 Hudson St in Jersey City, the courthouse in Elizabeth, or at the old Atlantic Club in A.C. You might also be able to catch some interactions between fledglings and adults along the cliffs of the Palisades near Alpine. In fall head down to Cape May Point State Park to see them during migration at the Hawk Watch. Their migration peaks in early October. During winter months visit Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Brigantine and Holgate Units to see wintering birds.

Publications:

2017 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 297.9KBNew Jersey’s population has remained stable with 32 active nests (with 34 known pairs) as compared to last years’ results of 30 active nests (35 known pairs). Nest success was slightly better than last year, with 22 pairs producing 52 young as compared to 20 pairs producing 47 young. The productivity rate, which is a measure of the health of the population, was very close to what was observed in 2016 at 1.59 young/active nest.

2016 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 278.3KBThe population of peregrine falcons remains stable in New Jersey, with nests on bridges and towers that make up the core of the nesting population. A total of 30 active nests were monitored, and of those, 20 pairs produced 47 young.

2015 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 437.8KBSummary of results from the 2015 nesting season. In general the peregrine falcon population remained relatively stable with 32 known pairs (28 active) occupying suitable nesting habitat across the state. There was good nesting success overall with 24 pairs successful in producing 63 young, for a productivity rate of 2.25 young per active nest and a success rate of 71%.

2014 Peregrine Falcon Report - 130.9KBReport that summarizes work to monitor and manage the peregrine falcon population in New Jersey. This year the population increased slightly from 26 to 29 pairs; however nest success was only average. A total of 49 young were produced. 35 of those young were banded for future tracking.

2013 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 144.8KBSummary of the 2013 nesting season in New Jersey where 26 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success was high this year with all but two pairs producing at least one young. A total of 57 young were produced.

2012 Peregrine Falcon Report - 133.2KBSummary of the 2012 nesting season in New Jersey where 26 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success were average again this year. A total of 34 young fledged.

2011 Peregrine Falcon Report - 155.2KBSummary of the 2011 nesting season in New Jersey where 24 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success were average again this year. A total of >38 young fledged this year. 11 young were transferred to West Virginia to help increase the nesting population in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

2010 Peregrine Falcon Report - 252.1KBSummary of the 2010 nesting season in New Jersey where 25 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success was average this year. A total of 42 young were produced.